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After sunbathing, the skin needs care that will moisturize it, soothe it and (if necessary) relieve redness. We will advise beauty products that will cope with the task quickly and efficiently, and teach them how to use them correctly.
The main properties of after-sun products
After-sun products are needed not only for those who stayed too long on the beach and got a sunburn. If the skin has been exposed to ultraviolet radiation, it needs to be rehabilitated anyway. It is this task that funds marked “after the sun” or after sun perform. They do have a few more features though.
After insolation, the skin needs special care
Moisturize. It is known that the sun dries the skin: after a minimum dose of radiation, the volume of hyaluronic acid drops by about 20%, since it is consumed as an antioxidant and prevents DNA damage. And the less hyaluronic acid, the lower the level of hydration. Also among the protective reactions of the skin to ultraviolet – keratinization and thickening of the epidermis.
Calm down. Even if there are no signs of sunburn, remember that sunburn is formed against the background of an inflammatory reaction. And after sun products are struggling with its consequences.
To soften. The skin, hardened as a result of sunburn, seeks to get rid of damaged cells and begins to peel off. Post-sun products help maintain the integrity of the epidermis and the stability of the tan.
A thick layer of dead cells, like a barrier, protects the skin from harmful external factors. At the same time, keratinocytes, maturing at an accelerated pace, create an uneven, rough surface, and then the skin feels dry to the touch, ”explains Vichy medical expert Ekaterina Turubara.
Types of after-sun products
A distinctive feature of good after-sun products is their lightweight texture and powerful moisturizing effect. Thick, nourishing creams with a high oil content are not often included in the category of universal after-sun repair products.
After-sun products have a light “cool” texture
Milk
The formula combines hydrofixatives and a small amount of oils, which provide a pronounced softening effect, but at the same time do not weigh down the texture, do not prevent the product from being quickly absorbed, and do not leave a sticky film.
Spray
Features a lightweight watery texture. The spray format is practical and especially relevant for burnt skin, which is painful to touch.
Gel
The most common variety. The cooling effect is pleasant for skin overheated in the sun, and the main components – water and hydrating agents – provide instant and lasting hydration.
Balm
SOS remedy for emergency cases when the skin is badly burned. It is applied to the affected areas, contains anti-inflammatory components, vitamins and lipids for the speedy restoration of the damaged surface of the epidermis.
How to choose
Skin after insolation, especially with signs of burns, is characterized by increased sensitivity, and care should not cause additional irritation.
After-sun products are universal – they are suitable for any type of skin, they are used both for the face and for the body. Light moisturizing formulas do not provoke a negative reaction even for sensitive and oily skin.
Entrust your after-sun care to products whose quality is undeniable. Choose trusted brands. This is the main and, in general, the only condition. The rest is a matter of personal preference.
How to determine effectiveness
Effective after-sun products immediately bring relief to sun-weary skin, and a day later significantly reduce pain and redness. Such products must:
have a light texture;
absorb quickly;
do not leave films;
provide a long lasting moisturizing effect.
After sun products work instantly
How to use
Apply after sun products at least once a day in the eveningwhen the regeneration process starts. Ideally, skin needs a decent revitalizing treatment whenever you get back from the beach, no matter the time of day.
Do not forget to pre-wash off sea salt, chlorine, sunscreen remnants.
How to keep a tan
The stability of a tan directly depends on how it was acquired.
If you stayed in the sun for a long time without taking care of the sunscreen with a high SPF, and as a result, you got at least a little sunburned, you should know that a swarthy skin tone will not please you for long.
With moderate insolation and protection of at least thirty, you will not tan so quickly, but the bronze shade is guaranteed to be even and last a long time.
Here’s what to do to make your tan last longer.
Choose shower gels without SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate). They clean not so thoroughly, but not so actively “wash off” the tan.
Don’t use scrubs during vacation.
Make light peeling after 2 weeks after a holiday to exfoliate the dead cells that give the tan a grayish tint.
Keep using your after-sun moisturizer within a month after vacation.
How to relieve irritation after sunburn
Help relieve burn symptoms gel or balm after the sun with a cooling effect and the following soothing ingredients: panthenol; allantoin; aloe extract; epiloba extract; thermal water; hyaluronic acid; vitamins C and E; Shea Butter.
10 useful tips
Before applying after-sun take a cool or warm shower. The main thing is that the water should not be hot – it will weaken the already damaged lipid barrier, and in case of a burn it will increase pain.
Pick up shower gel with neutral formula without strong fragrances and bright dyes.
No use hard washcloths and scrubs with coarse abrasives so as not to injure the skin.
Get your skin wet towel, do not rub theirs.
Before applying the cream spray on skin thermal water: so you additionally moisturize, soothe and cool it.
Briefly place the after-sun product in the refrigerator – a cool product will immediately relieve discomfort if the skin is overheated in the sun.
Do not apply coconut oil after sunburn, especially on the back, shoulders and chest, and even more so on the face. The oil sticks together the scales of the epidermis, which subsequently clog the pores and provoke acne.
If there is no ready-made after-sun cream at hand, use any moisturizer. Not nutritious.
To tan not “tears” ahead of time, avoid baths and saunas.
Избегайте products with extracts celandine, cucumber, lemon – they lighten the skin.
Funds overview
Milk
After-sun milk with aloe vera Ambre Solaire, Garnier refreshes, soothes, intensively and permanently moisturizes dehydrated skin after insolation, creating a reservoir of water in the cells. Can be applied to both face and body. Absorbs instantly, leaving a delicate fragrance behind.
Revitalizing after-sun face and body Posthelios, La Roche-Posay having a powerful regenerating effect, instantly makes the skin soft and hydrated, gives a feeling of comfort.
Spray
Spray after sun cactus extract Ambre Solaire, Garnier can be used as an SOS after sunburn. Instantly removes sensations of burning and heat, has a long-lasting moisturizing effect, promotes tan resistance.
Gel
Refreshing gel for face and body “Protection and hydration” after tanning range Sublime Sun, L’Oréal Paris contains aloe juice and green tea extract, absorbs without a trace, reducing the surface temperature of the skin by three degrees. The moisturizing effect lasts for 48 hours. Suitable for both face and body.
Cream
Moisturizing tanning cream Ambre Solaire, Garnier with glycerin and vitamin E normalizes the water-lipid balance, quickly eliminating the burning sensation and discomfort. Keeps the tan for a long time.